It would probably be safe to wait another year if you recently purchased a flagship phone and are satisfied with how it performs. However, if it’s time for a replacement, you’ll discover that the current crop of top-tier devices is slightly superior: more developed, with a few minor rough edges smoothed out.
1. iPhone 14 Pro
The iPhone 14 Pro is a kind of early adopter special because it ushers in some new ideas from Apple. You must upgrade to Pro if you want all the most recent and cutting-edge features. Many iPhone users will not be upgrading this year, especially if they are upgrading from a 12 or a 13. However, if you do require a new iPhone right away and want the best model available, the Pro is the best option.
2. Samsung Galaxy S22 Plus
The Galaxy S22 Plus has the newest Snapdragon chipset, a fantastic 6.6-inch display, three rear cameras, including a 3x telephoto lens, and a great support policy that promises up to four generations of Android OS support. The S22 Plus has three excellent rear cameras, a large, bright 6.6-inch screen with 120Hz refresh rate, and a superb flagship-grade Snapdragon 8 Gen 1. The S22 Ultra lacks the 10x telephoto lens and integrated S Pen, but it does have a larger screen than the 6.1-inch standard S22.
3. iPhone 13
If you need a new iPhone but don’t want to upgrade to the 14 Pro, the iPhone 14 seems like the obvious choice. But heed my warning: the iPhone 13 costs $100 less and performs nearly identically to the iPhone 14. Yes, go ahead and purchase that one if your carrier is giving you a good trade-in offer, ridiculously low interest rates for the 14, or you want the (slight) year-over-year upgrades. The best! However, if the trade-in deal season has ended or you’re paying cash, we believe the standard iPhone 13 is a better option.
4. Sony Xperia 10 IV
The current lineup of smartphones from Sony is primarily focused on supporting media creation and consumption. The range fervently defends the 3.5mm headphone port and features 4K resolution, OLED displays with a 21:9 aspect ratio, and HDR support. What happens, though, when features must be reduced in order to make such devices more accessible? The Xperia 10 IV provides an answer to this query with trimmed-down specifications, a screen of lower quality, and a plastic body that significantly lowers the price.
5. Google Pixel 6
For $599, the Pixel 6 is a lot of phone. Just keep in mind that the Pixel 7 is almost here, so if you can wait, it might be worthwhile to see what advancements it brings. The Pixel 6 is still a fantastic flagship with a lot of value. Since it will receive OS updates through 2024 and security patches through 2026, it will probably continue to function for many years to come.
6. Google Pixel 6A
The Pixel 6A adheres to the same budget phone formula Google has been using for years: deliver core Google features in a basic, condensed device. Previously, that meant receiving the flagship phones’ camera systems. With the 6A, that recipe underwent a minor change. You now receive an older camera system along with the same Tensor custom chipset as the Pixel 6 and 6 Pro. The Pixel 6A is a fantastic all-around budget device, so the formula clearly works.
7. Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 4
The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has a sizable 6.7-inch screen that functions similarly to the slab-style smartphone you’re used to when it is flipped open. However, you can use its small outer screen to view basic widgets and read notifications if you fold it in half like old-fashioned flip phones. It’s unusual, but it’s also entertaining and somewhat fashionable. If you’re feeling a little bit adventurous, it’s a great option.
8. Oppo Find X5 Pro
Oppo’s Find X5 Pro is a serious contender and should be at the top of the list for anyone looking for a top flagship even though it may not have the same brand recognition as some of the other devices on this list. The design, with its tough ceramic back and top-notch display, is an absolute triumph, but it was during testing that the blazingly fast performance and battery life really won us over.
9. One Plus 10 Pro
Since a few years ago, OnePlus has provided an ultra-premium flagship that isn’t quite as expensive as the competition. The OnePlus 10 Pro has the same characteristics. It has a truly excellent display, is quick and responsive, and this year even has a potent trio of cameras. It also has quick wired and wireless charging, just like the Find X5 Pro.
10. Xiaomi 12 Pro
In our opinion, this is a risky choice, but Xiaomi’s most recent flagship has such high highs that it’s difficult to leave it out of the top flagship phones. On the plus side, Xiaomi’s 12 Pro is a masterclass in display and camera performance and has a modern design that rivals any product on the market. Despite the sporadic issues with notifications and Android Auto, its MIUI software functions flawlessly, which is a significant improvement over the previous model.
